10 Incredible Places to See Fall Foliage in Virginia

February 21, 2025

Home to the Shenandoah Valley and the Blue Ridge Mountains, Virginia offers some of the best fall foliage in the United States. The state receives just a fraction of the visitors to New England every fall, yet fall foliage is equally spectacular. Take in gorgeous fall scenery without the crowds at these 10 incredible locations for fall foliage in Virginia.

10 Places for Fall Colors in Virginia

When to Travel

Peak fall foliage in Virginia takes place from mid October to early November, depending on the area. Shenandoah National Park is usually at its peak in the second half of October, closely followed by the Blue Ridge Parkway. Since many of the popular areas in Shenandoah are at higher elevations, they peak first. Planning a trip to these areas in the third week of October is a safe bet.

Shenandoah National Park
2,530 ft – Oct 21

Bear Creek Lake, Central VA
289 ft – Oct 29

Westmoreland SP, Coastal VA
0 ft – Nov 5

When the mountains are past peak, you can still admire fall foliage in Central and Coastal Virginia at the end of October and start of November. To plan a trip at the best place and time, consult the live fall foliage map on the official website of Virginia and the fall foliage report for Virginia State Parks.

Blue Ridge Mountains

#1- Humpback Rocks

Humpback Rocks is the first stop to take in the beauty of the Blue Ridge Parkway. The trailhead is located at milepost 5.8, departing from the Humpback Gap parking lot. After a short but sweet one-mile climb, you reach Humpback Rocks. The views over the valley and parkway are spectacular in fall. The nearby 20-Minute Cliff Overlook is another viewpoint that shouldn’t be missed for stunning fall colors.

#2- Terrapin Mountain & Arnold Valley Overlook

These two overlooks on the Blue Ridge Parkway are located just three miles apart, between milepost 72 and 76. The Terrapin Mountain Overlook gives way to beautiful scenery on the east, while the Arnold Valley Overlook has excellent sunset views to the west.

#3- Peaks of Otter

Peaks of Otter is a scenic area along the Blue Ridge Parkway, named after three mountain peaks centered around a lake. There is a campground and a lodge to take in the stunning scenery from dawn till dusk. The trail to Sharp Top Mountain rewards a steep 1.5-mile climb with 360-degree views over the lake and beyond.

#4- 12 Ridges Vineyard

This unique winery is accessed directly from the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 25. Located on a hilltop, you can take in panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains paired with delicious high-elevation wines. Picnics are allowed and can be enjoyed on the inviting outdoor deck.

Shenandoah Valley

#5- Stony Man Mountain

The Stony Man Trail is located in Shenandoah National Park. The trail leads to the second highest peak in Shenandoah with 4,011 feet of elevation. There is no need to break a sweat, as the trail amounts to under two miles round trip. The end point is Stony Man Mountain, which offers amazing views over the valley and rolling hills.

#6- Old Rag Mountain

The hike to Old Rag Summit in Shenandoah National Park is often considered one of the best trails on the East Coast. Giant boulders provide a challenging obstacle course to the top, with non-stop scenic views along the trail. To hike this 9.3-mile loop, you’ll need a reservation from the NPS. We hiked at the beginning of October when the leaves were just starting to turn, but the views during peak fall foliage are no doubt some of the best in the state.

#7- Veritas Vineyards & Winery

There are plenty of wineries in the Shenandoah Valley to enjoy fall scenery, but Veritas Vineyards & Winery is a top pick. In addition to the winery, the Farmhouse at Veritas houses a restaurant and bed & breakfast. The vineyard is set against a gorgeous mountain backdrop.

#8- Loft Mountain Loop, Appalachian Trail

The Loft Mountain Loop runs along the iconic Appalachian Trail on an easy two-mile loop. In this short distance, it packs amazing views of the Shenandoah Valley. Starting from the Loft Mountain Campground adds another two miles along the Appalachian Trail (one-way) to the hike.

Central Virginia

#9- Bear Creek Lake State Park

Bear Creek Lake State Park displays peak fall foliage when leaves are starting to shed in the mountains. The best views are found on the lake, but the 3.1-mile Bear Creek Lake Loop Trail loops around the lake as a worthy alternative. For a delicious treat after this leaf-peeping hike, stop for a hard cider tasting at Courthouse Creek Cider.

#10- High Bridge Trail State Park

Running along an old rail bed, the 32-mile High Bridge Trail caters to hikers and cyclists. The most iconic spot on the trail is the 2,400 feet-long High Bridge, built to provide a railroad crossing over the Appomattox River in 1853. Nowadays, you can hike or bike along the treetops in vibrant fall colors. The High Bridge can be accessed from the charming town of Farmville, scenically located along the river.

adventure, Blue Ridge Parkway, fall foliage, hiking, national parks, nature, outdoors, Shenandoah National Park, travel, usa, Virginia